For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 4, 2003
Patriot Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Two years ago, more than 3,000 innocent people lost their lives
when a calm September morning was shattered by terrorists driven by
hatred and destruction.
On that day, and in its aftermath, we saw the greatness of America
in the bravery of victims; in the heroism of first responders who laid
down their lives to save others; in the compassion of people who
stepped forward to help those they had never met; and in the generosity
of millions of Americans who enriched our country with acts of service
and kindness. Since that day, we have seen the greatness of America
further demonstrated in the courage of our brave men and women in
uniform who have served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and
around the world to advance freedom and prevent terrorist attacks on
America.
As we remember September 11, 2001, we reaffirm the vows made in the
earliest hours of our grief and anger. As liberty's home and defender,
America will not tire, will not falter, and will not fail in fighting
for the safety and security of the American people and a world free
from terrorism. We will continue to bring our enemies to justice or
bring justice to them. This Patriot Day, we hold steady to this task.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law
107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as
"Patriot Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2003, as Patriot Day. I
call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services
and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United
States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate
officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown
at half-staff on Patriot Day. In addition, I call upon all Americans
to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to
observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight
time to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of
the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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